What’s Next for Respiratory Illnesses this Winter?

November 12, 2024

State health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu ahead of the upcoming respiratory virus season.

With holiday gatherings and the colder temperatures ahead, now is the time to get ready, state officials said during an event last week. This includes taking precautions against COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

"I'm encouraging all Pennsylvanians to be proactive by getting their vaccines now to increase the likelihood of healthy get-togethers with family and friends over the holidays,” said Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania’s health secretary.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Why it matters:  Ongoing vaccination helps reduce the risk for severe illness and long-term COVID-19.
• New and notable:  The CDC recommends people 65 and older, as well as people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, receive a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine six months after their initial dose.
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems may also receive additional doses in consultation with their health care providers.
  • For the second year, an RSV vaccine is available for residents 60 and older or women in their third trimester of pregnancy.
• State of the spread:  The Pennsylvania Department of Health will provide updates on its respiratory virus dashboard on Tuesdays.
  • Today’s report indicates flu activity is low. Emergency department visits with a COVID-19 diagnosis also are decreasing statewide.
  • CDC data indicate KP.3.1.1 of the Omicron family is the top circulating variant. It is followed by the XEC variant.
  • The CDC projects the combined peak hospitalizations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV to be similar to or lower than last year.
• Need tests?:  The federal government has reopened its program providing four free at-home tests per household.
• The bottom line:  “Getting vaccinated can provide peace of mind for older adults and their loved ones so they can share special moments in their homes and communities,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich.

HAP joins state agency leaders to urge everyone to stay up to date on their vaccinations and to reach out to their health care providers for questions about staying healthy this holiday season. Learn more about appointments in your community online.